While the events were a nod to redneck shenanigans, the event also highlighted the trappings of being a redneck.

There were mullets, skullets, overalls and the beer in one corner. Cutoffs, tight jeans, mud, Charlie Daniels blaring, more beer and strategic planning dotted another.

“I grew up in west North Carolina,” said Stephen Rogers, who was in town from Denver. “It’s a term that’s pretty dear to me. It’s a mountain man. It means you can have a good time and you don’t have to be in a city to enjoy life.”

That was the thing. Redneck can be a derogatory term in the wrong context. But in Hayden on Saturday, everyone was a redneck.

“It’s someone that works hard and creates his own fun,” Clay Owens said.

And when McGowen turned the microphone to the crowd and was asked what’s a redneck, the overwhelming response came in just two words.

“We are,” McGowen said.

Even Anthony, with the fresh mullet, understood. After riding in a wheelbarrow around obstacles while shooting a paintball gun at street signs, Anthony maybe best described the term.

“It’s a person,” he said, right hand patting what was left of his long hair, “that lives in the country and doesn’t do what city people do.”